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The Draft is less than an hour away, but we already have breaking news. The media is reporting that Green Bay has signed Aaron Rodgers to a five-year contract extension worth $110 million. The deal runs through the 2019 season.

I’m very transparent about my loyalties. I am a Packer fan, so I’m ecstatic that Rodgers is going to be around for the rest of the decade. The structure of the deal also seems cap friendly.

Stay tune for more updates as the round two fast approaches.

Geno to Jets?

The big story regarding tonight’s draft is West Virginia QB Geno Smith’s fate. Rumors link Smith to the Jets. The thought is the Jets would like to jump Philadelphia, who holds the No. 35 overall pick, to secure Smith’s right. However, the Jets offensive coordinator is Marty Mornhinweg. His ties are too Mike Holmgren, Andy Reid, and the west coast offense. Smith is a terrible fit for that offense. I can’t stress that enough. He doesn’t have the accuracy and he didn’t make one audible at West Virginia. They had a very simplified offense. I think these reports are based around speculation rather than fact. I’d like to see Smith land in Cleveland, where he can team up with head coach Rob Chudzinski, who helped develop Cam Newton into a high-level starter.

Projecting the second-round of the NFL draft is like throwing darts while blindfolded. With that said, here is my second-round mock draft.

Reaction: New head coach Gus Bradley comes from Seattle, where the organization had two really good safeties. He’s looking to duplicate that success with Cyprien, who’s a hard-hitting strong safety. He’s put together well (6-0 & 217 pounds), and does a nice job of reading and reacting.

The Titans are now on the clock after trading with San Francisco. I think it's Zach Ertz.

Reaction: The only thing holding Hunter back is he’s prone to drops. Nevertheless, he goes up and gets the ball at its highest peak, and he uses his size to out position defensive backs. He did tear his ACL in 2011, but fully recovered in time for 2012. If he ever becomes sure-handed, then you’re a looking at a big-time player. I wonder whether this spells the end for Kenny Britt in Tennessee.

35. Philadelphia Eagles select Stanford TE Zach Ertz

Reaction: I was among the minority of people that prefer Ertz over Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert. Ertz is a well-regarded blocker. He’s physical at the point of attack and hustles downfield looking for someone to hit. He doesn’t always secure the catch, but he’s an excellent red zone target. He’s a bit of a throwback player, which is ironic considering Chip Kelly’s unorthodox offense.

36. Detroit Lions select Mississippi State CB Darius Slay

Reaction: Much of the focus was on Johnthan Banks, but Slay offers greater upside. He was very productive at Mississippi State, intercepting five passes, and earning All-SEC second-team honors. He has good ball skills, fluid hips, and challenges receivers for the ball. I thought he may have snuck into the first-round, but medical issues were supposed to drop him. I guess Detroit’s doctors gave the green light.

Good news for Cincinnati, as they agreed to terms with OT Andre Smith. They really needed to keep him in the fold.

Reaction: Bernard is an all-purpose back. He’s a good pass catcher and can motion out as a receiver. He won’t support a heavy workload, but he doesn’t need to with BenJarvus Green-Ellis already in the picture. They compliment each other well, though I believe they could’ve got him a round later.

38. San Diego Chargers (from Arizona) select Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o

Reaction: Te’o has tremendous instincts and defends the pass very well. He does miss tackles and is terrible at shedding blocks. His play against Alabama and Stanford standout because those are the two best pro-style offenses that Notre Dame played, and frankly, Te’o stunk up the field in both games. That’s going to be an issue in San Diego, where their d-line remains problematic. He'll need those big guys to take on blockers for him.

We’re about to find out whether the Jets really value Smith. He’s fallen right into their lap. It’s a terrible pick, if they choose him.

39. N.Y. Jets select West Virginia QB Geno Smith

Reaction: There it is! It’s a terrible pick. He doesn’t fit their offense. I’m guessing they want to duplicate what Mike Shanahan -- a west coast coach -- did with RG3, but Smith doesn’t display the skill set that RG3 does. They also have a depleted offensive line and Smith panics under pressure. That’s not a great combination.

Reaction: Carradine’s a better player than former teammate Bjoern Werner, who went in round one. He tore his ACL last season versus Florida, though, which is why he‘s even available here. Prior to the injury, he was having a productive season with 11 sacks. He’s one of the biggest disruptors in the draft, ripping through blockers and making an impact as a pass rusher and run defender.

41. Buffalo Bills select USC WR Robert Woods

Reaction: Woods is the most polished wide receiver in the draft. He displays good speed, runs crisp routes, and has soft hands. He also does a great job of running after the catch. He was very productive with 252 career catches, which is actually a school. His 2011 tape highlights No. 1 capabilities, which is why he was my No. 1 rated wide receiver in the draft. This is an absolute steal for Buffalo.

Reaction: Watson is a long-armed, quick-footed tackle prospect. He can play on the left or right side, and is able to get to the second level in the running game. By the start of this season, he’ll be 25-years-old, so Oakland may only get one contract from. Nonetheless, they’ve ignored the tackle position for too long, so I give Oakland credit for attempting to address the position.

43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks

Reaction: The Bucs were last in pass defense last season, so they trade their first pick for all-pro Darrelle Revis, and use their second on another corner. I love Banks’ physicality and his long arms of 34 inches.

44. Carolina Panthers select Purdue DT Kawann Short

Reaction: The fact Carolina took two defensive tackles goes to show just how depleted their defensive line was. Short has long arms (34-plus inches) and gets good penetration. With great size, he’s a physical player and he’ll bring an attitude or mean streak to any defensive line

45. Arizona Cardinals (from San Diego) select LSU LB Kevin Minter

Reaction: Minter does an outstanding job of diagnosing a play and making the tackle. He also plays downhill and sheds blocks well.

46. Buffalo Bills (from St. Louis) select Oregon LB Kiko Alonso

Reaction: Alonso is an athletic linebacker that flies all over the field. Because of off-field issues, I expected him to go on day three, but the Bills obviously like his talent enough to take a chance in round two. Frankly, this is another interesting pick by Buffalo.

47. Dallas Cowboys select San Diego State TE Gavin Escobar

Reaction: Escobar’s outstanding size (6-6 & 254 pounds) makes him an ideal NFL tight end. He has pretty good hands and is versatile enough to play off the line of scrimmage. This likely is Dallas’ attempt at duplicating what some teams (namely New England) are doing with two tight end sets.

48. Pittsburgh Steelers select Michigan State RB Le’Veon Bell

Reaction: Bell’s a downhill, violent runner. He always falls forward and runs through would-be tacklers. He does lack the extra gear, but he’s a bell cow that’ll run for a lot of yards in the NFL. In fact, he was my No. 1 running back, ranking ahead of Alabama’s Eddie Lacy. Pittsburgh’s done very well with their top two picks.

49. N.Y. Giants select Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins

Reaction: Coming off a first-team All-Big Ten season, Hankins is a bid-bodied run stuffer. He offers minimal pass rush, so he’ll never have many sacks. Nonetheless, demands double teams with his size, so he could free up other players to make plays in that vaunted Giant d-line.

50. Chicago Bears select Florida LB Jon Bostic

Reaction: A fluid athlete that plays well in space, Bostic ran a 4.61 forty, which is an outstanding time for a middle linebacker. He’s a well-put together thumper and his best football is in front of him. In fact, his ceiling is higher than Manti Te’o, who many felt Chicago should’ve taken in round one.

51. Washington Redskins select N.C. State CB David Amerson

Reaction: Amerson is one of the draft’s most interesting players. I know you hear that a lot, but he had 13 interceptions as a sophomore. No, that wasn’t a typo. That actually tied for second most in the history of NCAA. Inconsistencies defined his junior year, but his ’11 tape is truly remarkable. If the Redskins get that player, then they’re getting a big-time corner.

Reaction: An excellent combine elevated Collins. He shows good containment in the running game and is explosive as a rusher. He also does a nice job of finishing plays, which I’m sure caught Bill Belichick’s eye.

53. Cincinnati Bengals select SMU DE Margus Hunt

Reaction: Hunt comes from a track background. He was successful in the shot and discus. He has outstanding size (6-8 & 277 pounds), strength, and athleticism. This is a nice toy for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Reaction: I guess the Albert deal fell through. Regardless, this is a nice need-filling choice. Taylor earned first-team all-conference honors last season. He worked out well at the combine displaying excellent straight-line speed in the 40. He’s a little undersize but he possesses the natural ability to develop into a quality starter.

Eddie Lacy remains on the board, but the Packers opt to trade down. I wonder if they like both Johnathan Franklin and Lacy, so they feel comfortable knowing one running back will fall to them. Personally, I prefer Franklin.

Reaction: McDonald is a good athlete with excellent size (6-4 & 267 pounds). He’s physical and can get off jams. His two red flags are blocking and catching. The latter is especially frustrating and he’ll never fulfill his potential until he corrects the problem.

Reaction: The Ravens saw the run on inside linebackers and had to act. Brown’s an instinctive player, who moves well in traffic, and rarely misses tackles. He also plays well in space and is capable of matching up with running backs in one-on-one situations. He may need to bulk up for Baltimore’s scheme, though.

57. Houston Texans select South Carolina S D.J. Swearinger

Reaction: Some of the better quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, & Matthew Stafford) had their way with Houston’s secondary. Swearinger is a raw prospect, but he gets to play with Ed Reed, which should benefit his development.

58. Denver Broncos select Wisconsin RB Montee Ball

Reaction: Ball plays faster than his 4.66 combine 40 indicates. He’s a downhill runner, who decisively hits the hole and runs through tacklers. He’s a decent wide receiver out of the backfield and agile in the open field. The major red flag is the amount of mileage on his tires. He’s carried the ball 826 times since 2010, but I’m not sure it matters in this case, as Denver’s championship window is two or three years anyways.

59. New England Patriots select California WR Keenan Allen

Reaction: A tall and well-built target, Dobson takes long strides and catches the ball well. He doesn’t separate, though, but he possesses the qualities of a possession receiver. He reminds me of former Carolina WR Muhsin Muhammad.

60. Atlanta Falcons select S.E. Louisiana CB Robert Alford

Reaction: The one thing about Mike Nolan’s defensive system is its reliance on cornerbacks. You need as many as three quality corners to utilize the system to its full strength, which is why the Falcons opted to draft two corners in the first two rounds.

61. Green Bay Packers select Alabama RB Eddie Lacy

Reaction: Lacy would’ve been a reach in round one, so the Packers get him about where he’s valued. He has good size, power, and competent speed. However, he played behind an offensive line with three potential NFL starters from this draft alone. The holes he ran through -- particularly against Georgia and Notre Dame -- were big enough for any ordinary running back to exploit. Nevertheless, the Packers had the weakest group of running backs in football, so they just addressed their greatest need.

62. Seattle Seahawks select Texas A&M RB Christine Michael

Reaction: Unlike the Jets (for example), Seattle knows exactly who they are. Michael joins a backfield that already consists of Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin. That’s as good as a trio as you’ll find in the NFL.

That choice ends round two of the NFL Draft. Of note, just two quarterbacks selected within the first two rounds. My No. 1 overall quarterback is USC's Matt Barkley, who remains on the board likely because of a shoulder injury.

Round 3

63. Kansas City Chiefs select Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce

Reaction: After serving a season-long suspension in 2010, Kelce quietly developed into an NFL caliber tight end. By 2012, he was one of the best tight ends in the country, catching 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. He reminds me of a poor man’s Heath Miller.

64. Jacksonville Jaguars select Connecticut CB Dwayne Gratz

Reaction: Gratz likes to gamble on throws and is an aggressive player against the run. Connecticut utilized him in blitzes, so I expect Gus Bradley to use him in a similar manner.

65. Detroit Lions select Kentucky OG Larry Warford

Reaction: I had a second-round grade on Warford, so I love the value by Detroit here. He has natural size and is basically a brick wall. Once he gets his hands on the defender, it’s over. I expect him to compete immediately for playing time in Detroit.

66. Oakland Raiders select Connecticut LB Sio Moore

Reaction: Moore took full advantage of the pre-draft process. He opened eyes at the East/West shrine game and the Senior Bowl. He has the strength to play strong side and athleticism to play weak side.

67. Philadelphia Eagles select LSU DT Bennie Logan

Reaction: I like Logan’s ability and physical play, but he’s somewhat of an underachiever. The Eagles need defensive lineman after converting to a 3-4, so I give them credit for attempting to address their depth with a high upside player.

68. Cleveland Browns select San Diego State CB Leon McFadden

Reaction: McFadden is a physical player. His size (5-10 & 193 pounds) will concern teams, but he plays bigger. He’s comfortable in man-to-man coverage, but his skill set best suit’s a zone system, which Cleveland now runs.

69. Arizona Cardinals select LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu

Reaction: Personally, I could care less about Mathieu’s marijuana problem. He’s undersized and probably won’t make much of a difference outside of special teams. I believe this is more about getting Patrick Peterson away from the return game than it is about Mathieu’s corner skills.

70. Tennessee Titans select Connecticut CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

Reaction: With good height and adequate ball skills, Wreh-Wilson could develop into a contributor. His size will give him an advantage on the outside, but he lacks closing speed. He’s more of a zone corner, as a result.

71. St. Louis Rams (from Buffalo) select USC S T.J. McDonald

Reaction: The Rams finally get their safety in McDonald. He has good size (6-2 & 219 pounds) and does a good job in run support. He actually led USC in tackles. This is about Jeff Fisher’s preference for physical hard-hitting safeties. That’s exactly the style McDonald plays.

72. N.Y. Jets select Kent State OG Brian Winters

Reaction: Winters didn’t play against high-level competition, but he more than held his own at the Senior Bowl. He’s quick out of his stance, and gets to the second level with ease. His arms are too short to play tackle, so he’ll kick inside and play guard, where the Jets desperately need help. He plays with the nasty streak that Rex Ryan loves.

73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select N.C. State QB Mike Glennon

Reaction: This pick puts Josh Freeman, who has yet to sign a long-term contract, on notice. Russell Wilson transferring to Wisconsin opened the door for Glennon at N.C. State. He’s a pure drop back quarterback drawing comparisons to Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco. Like Flacco, he has an intimidating frame (6-7 & 225 pounds), a cannon for an arm, and throws a great deep ball.

Reaction: This is a pretty standard draft for Jerry Jones. He continues to focus on skill players instead of addressing the defensive line and finding a starting safety. I like Williams, who is a big-bodied possession target. He goes up and plucks the ball out of the air and his quickness is good for his size. I also love his route running, but Dallas’ focus should be elsewhere, and not on finding another skill player.

75. New Orleans Saints Arkansas-Pine Bluff OT Terron Armstead

Reaction: It’s hard to believe a former NFL player could now be confined to a wheelchair, but Steve Gleason’s a true inspiration. He’s fighting to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease and his effort in this battle will trump anything he did on the field.

Regarding the pick, Armstead is an outstanding choice. He has ideal size and length to play left tackle. He’s quick footed and does a nice job of getting to the next level. His 10-yard split of 1.64 was second best trailing only Lane Johnson, who went No. 4 overall.

76. San Diego Chargers select California WR Keenan Allen

Reaction: Allen has good size and runs quality routes. He gets in and out of his breaks quickly, and does a fine job of going up and getting the ball. However, he sometimes fails to make routine catches, and may struggle separating from NFL defensive backs. Frankly, some analysis will call this a steal, but I had a lower grade on Allen, who was my No. 8 overall wide receiver.

77. Miami Dolphins select Tennessee OG Dallas Thomas

Reaction: Thomas played left tackle in 2010 an 2011. He converted to guard in 2012 and earned second-team All-SEC honors. He plays with a nasty streak and does a great job of getting to the second level in the running game. He’ll immediately compete for playing time.

78. Buffalo Bills (from St. Louis) select Texas WR Marquise Goodwin

Reaction: A former track athlete, Goodwin blew up the combine with a 4.27 forty. The Bills will need patience, as he needs a lot of work.

79. Pittsburgh Steelers select Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton

Reaction: A strong Senior Bowl elevated Wheaton’s stock. He’s a vertical threat that consistently separates from the defensive back. His route running is underrated. Frankly, he’s among the best route runners available. He’s productive, fast, and has all the tools to play a major role in Pittsburgh’s offense.

80. Dallas Cowboys select Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox

Reaction: I give Dallas credit for finally addressing their need in the secondary. Wilcox was first-team, all-conference last year and gives them an option.

81. N.Y. Giants select Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore

Reaction: How the mighty have fallen. Moore was once considered a top 10 pick, but a terrible combine raised several red flags. He only benched 225 pounds 12 times, which is a pathetic amount from a defensive end or outside linebacker. He did improve this number to 19 at his pro day, though. His 40-yard dash of 4.95 seconds is also underwhelming give he weighs 250 pounds. He was a very productive pass rusher against high-level competition, but he struggles against the run and the 12 reps suggest he doesn’t have the strength to holdup in the NFL.

82. New Orleans Saints (from Miami) select Georgia DT John Jenkins

Reaction: The Saints need bodies up front after switching to a 3-4 on defense. Jenkins is a true nose guard and a brick wall against the run. Teams will monitor his rep count, but with flashes of dominance, this could be a steal.

Reaction: The Pats secondary has really let them down the last two seasons. I like Ryan’s toughness and willingness to tackle in the running game. However, they'll regret passing on Oregon State CB Jordan Poyer.

84. Cincinnati Bengals select Georgia S Shawn Williams

Reaction: Williams is the best tackling safety available. He’s strong (25 reps of 225) and plays with an attitude. He’ll lower his shoulder and deliver the big hit, so he’s an intimidator. This style is a bit of a throwback player.

85. Washington Redskins select Florida TE Jordan Reed

Reaction: Versatility defines Reed. He can play the slot, spread outside, or contribute in the backfield. He’s not the next Aaron Hernandez, which is a trendy comparison. Nevertheless, his versatility and receiving capabilities makes him an interesting toy for head coach Mike Shanahan.

86. Indianapolis Colts select Illinois OG Hugh Thornton

Reaction: Thornton’s story is one of tragedy and perseverance. He was just 12-years-old when his mother and younger sister were murdered. He fought through his tough childhood, though, and is now an Indianapolis Colt.

87. Seattle Seahawks select Penn State DT Jordan Hill

Reaction: Hill’s coming off a first-team all-conference season. He’s solid versus the run and can provide a moderate amount of pass rush. Because of his height, he plays with low pad level. I’m not sure he’s a future starter, but he’ll hang around for along time, nonetheless.

A great move by the Jets to acquire New Orleans RB Chris Ivory for a fourth rounder. He'll thrive in their offense.

Reaction: Lemonier had a very good junior season, but his production slipped last year. I like his potential as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He can rush the quarterback, but also drop and cover.

89. Houston Texans select North Carolina OT Brennan Williams

Reaction: Williams will struggle with quick edge rushers, but if he gets out of his stance quick enough, he’s long enough to lengthen a rusher’s route to the quarterback. He has outstanding size, physicality, and is a nasty run blocker. His future is at right tackle.

90. Denver Broncos select South Florida CB Kayvon Webster

Reaction: Webster is an excellent tackler, but it’s his speed that Denver needs. Last postseason, Baltimore exposed the Broncos’ lack of speed in their secondary. Webster ran a 4.41 in the forty.

91. New England Patriots select Rutgers S Duron Harmon

Reaction: The Patriots must like something about Rutgers defensive back. I’m a little surprised Harmon went this high. Regardless, the Pats need secondary help, so that’s clearly their focus. Harmon lacks big-time physical attributes, but he’s a good a tackler and a special teams contributor.

Reaction: An undersized (5-10 & 193 pounds) but productive wide receiver, Bailey’s a crafty route runner. He may not adapt well to playing on the outside, but he could develop into a reliable option from the slot. That’s interesting given Tavon Austin’s presence, but I like that St. Louis is finally giving Sam Bradford playmakers.

93. Miami Dolphins (from Green Bay) select Utah State CB Will Davis

Reaction: Miami entered today really needing to grab a pair of corners, and that’s exactly what they accomplished by trading up for Davis.

Reaction: The top combine performer on the bench, Williams uses his strength and size to overcome opponents. He was a productive pass rusher in college, but it came against small schools, so we’ll see if that translates to the NFL.

We're now getting into the compensatory picks.

95. Houston Texans select LSU DE Sam Montgomery

Reaction: Montgomery is a good run defender, while providing adequate pass rushing ability. He may not be overly athletic, but he’ll make tackles downfield because of his excellent pursuit (plays to the whistle). I didn’t see him as 3-4 player, so it’ll be interesting how Houston uses him. Will they convert him to outside linebacker or use him as a down lineman in sub-packages?

96. Kansas City Chiefs select Arkansas RB Knile Davis

Reaction: I’m dumbfounded that UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin remains on the board. I like Davis, who has a ridiculous size and speed combo. There is a history of injuries, but there’s a lot of raw ability to develop.

97. Tennessee Titans select Missouri LB Zaviar Gooden

Reaction: A starting weak side linebacker, Gooden’s speed is off the charts. He ran a 4.47 fort at the combine. He doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but he can shed blocks, tackle well, and plays bigger than his 234. The Titans may have found themselves a starter with this pick.

Thanks for checking out Row12’s NFL Draft blog. I’ll be back tomorrow to provide instant analysis of the draft’s final day.

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